JP2000200181A - Television pip applet using pip framework and pip implementation - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to control and display video data through a web page interface by receiving user input by an applet by interposing a virtual control panel displayed on a web page. SOLUTION: The process of receiving the user input by the applet by interposing the virtual control panel displayed on the web page by the applet and the process of controlling the display of the video data on the web page by the applet based on the user input, etc., are provided. For instance, for a data processing system, data and data structure 114 is provided with the web page capable of display by a browser 106. Also, for instance, the data and data structure 114 can be provided with an applet software capable of execution by a java virtual machine JVM 108.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD This application relates to a method and apparatus for user interface control. More particularly, the present application relates to a method and apparatus that allows a user to control and display video data via a web page interface.

[0002]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conventional television sets and VCRs
The player is controlled by a physical device, such as a handheld remote unit, or directly by a set of these or physical controls attached to the player. In many cases, the designer of the physical remote unit will determine the best user
It is difficult to correctly anticipate and design interfaces. In addition, the remote “optimal” user
The interface may vary from user to user, and may also depend on the type of activity the user wants to perform. Unfortunately, the physical control unit lacks the flexibility of the user interface design.

In addition, physical remote units tend to be misplaced or lost. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,915, issued to Owen on June 30, 1993, discloses this, and U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,915 discloses a lost physical remote control. Related to locating units. It is desirable not to have to worry about a lost physical remote.

[0004] In certain types of consumer electronics devices that do not have a means of reprogramming the video unit, the above problems are exacerbated and the programming of the video unit cannot be easily changed. There is a need for a flexible user interface that allows designers to change the functionality and look and feel of the remote control.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention allow a user to access video data (television data) via a "virtual remote control" displayed on a world wide web page the user is viewing.
Video data transmitted from a set or other video source). Embodiments of the present invention are implemented in a set top box environment. However, the invention can be implemented in a browser capable of running a Java applet and running on any suitable computer or data processing system.

In this embodiment, a user downloads a web page containing a Java applet, and
View the web page. When the Java applet runs, it displays a "virtual remote control" panel. virtual·
The look and feel of the remote control panel is completely defined within the downloaded applet, so the virtual remote control
It is easy to change the configuration and appearance of the panel. No programming changes are required in the set top box (or video source) to perform the changes in the remote user interface.

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention include a PIP (Picture in Picture) API (Application Programming Interface). This API includes a number of predefined Java methods that can be called from downloaded applets to control the display of video data. As a result, since the virtual remote is implemented by the applet that calls the PIP API, the functionality of the virtual remote can be easily changed. Thus, the applet can display and operate a virtual remote control with any functionality that matches the functionality allowed by the PIP API. The term PIP refers to the fact that video data is displayed on a web page as a "picture within a picture". The concept of displaying one video picture inside another video picture is
This does not necessarily have to point. However, video pictures within such conventional video pictures can also be realized according to the present invention.

[0008] Based on the objects of the invention specifically disclosed and broadly described herein, the present invention provides a video and audio system.
A method of controlling the display of data, comprising the steps of: executing a specified applet in a downloaded web page; and receiving user input via a virtual control panel displayed on the web page by the applet. Receiving by an applet, and controlling display of video data on a web page by an applet according to user input.

The invention can be more completely understood by reading the following description and claims, which are based on the accompanying drawings.

[0010]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION I. General Description: Many conventional world wide web browsers include a Java Virtual Machine and are capable of running Java applets. A Java applet is a computer program written in the Java programming language, which is a worldwide programming language.
A programming language designed to run "in" a web browser. Often, when a user clicks a button or link in a displayed web page, a Java applet is started. After the applet is started, it runs in a browser and performs programmed tasks. "Java" is a trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and other countries.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data processing system 100 according to one embodiment of the present invention. For example, data processing system 100 may include set top box 1 connected to a display device 130, such as a television set or other suitable display device.
01. Further, the data processing system 100
For example, any data processing system that does not allow the user to have access or control over the operating system, and any data processing that does not allow the user to warm boot the system at a particular time. It may be a system.

The system 100 has a processor 102 and a data storage area (eg, memory) 104. Data storage area 104 contains certain known information.
Examples of this information include operating system 1
12 and data and data structures 114. For example, in this embodiment, the data and data structure 114 includes a web page that can be displayed by the browser 106. Further, for example, the data and data structure 114 may include an applet executable that can be executed by a Java Virtual Machine (JVM) 108.
Software may be included. Further, the storage area 104
Preferably includes software (not shown) for communicating with a network connection 103 such as a LAN, WAN, intranet or the Internet.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the system 100 can be configured to include other elements, such as input / output lines, and other input devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, and voice input device, ie, a second input device and a display device, such as a display terminal. Will be understood. System 100
Further comprises a floppy disk drive for reading computer instructions stored on a computer readable medium such as a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a memory chip or a DVD disk;
It may include a computer readable input device (not shown) such as an OM reader, chip connector or DVD reader. System 100 may further include application programs, operating systems, data, and the like, not shown for ease of understanding.

In the following description, each step of the method and flowchart disclosed herein is referred to as a processor 10.
It will be appreciated that this can be implemented by two (or another suitable processor). Processor 102 executes instructions stored in storage area 104 (or other suitable memory or storage area). It will be understood that the invention is not limited to any particular implementation or programming technique, and that the invention may be practiced using any suitable technique that implements the functionality disclosed herein. The invention is not limited to a particular programming language or operating system.

The instructions in storage area 104 can be read into storage area 104 from a computer readable medium (not shown). By executing the sequences of instructions contained in main memory, processor 102 (or a similar processor) performs the processes disclosed herein. In another embodiment, hardwired circuits may be used in place of or in conjunction with software instructions to implement the present invention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited to any particular combination of hardware circuits and software.

FIG. 1 shows a virtual machine (such as a Java virtual machine) 1 running on the system 100.
08 is shown. FIG. 2 illustrates a virtual system supported by the system 100 of FIG. 1 and suitable for practicing the present invention.
It is a block diagram of a machine. When a computer program, such as a computer program written in the Java programming language, is executed, source code 160 is provided to compiler 170 in compile time environment 155. Compiler 170 translates source code 160 into bytecode 180. Typically,
At the time the software developer forms the source code 160, the source code 160
Translated to 80

Generally, the bytecode 180 is copied through a network (eg, the network 103 in FIG. 1),
It may be downloaded or distributed, or stored on a storage device, such as the primary storage 104 of FIG. In this embodiment, the bytecode 180 is platform independent. That is, the appropriate virtual
Bytecode 180 may be executed on substantially any computer system running on a machine.

The bytecode 180 is provided to a runtime environment 108 that includes a virtual machine 190. Generally, the runtime environment 108 is the processor 102 of FIG.
It can be performed using a processor such as. virtual·
The machine 109 is a compiler 192, an interpreter 194
And a runtime system 196. The bytecode 180 can be provided to the compiler 192 or the interpreter 194.

When the bytecode 180 is provided to the compiler 192, the methods contained in the bytecode 180 are compiled into machine instructions. In one embodiment,
Compiler 192 is a just-in-time compiler. The just-in-time compiler delays the compilation of the method contained in the bytecode 180 until just before the execution of the method. When the bytecode 180 is provided to the interpreter 194, the bytecode 180 is interpreted one bytecode at a time.
Read into. Then, as each bytecode is read into the interpreter 194, the interpreter 194 performs an operation defined by each bytecode. That is, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, interpreter 194 "interprets" bytecode 180.

When a method is invoked by another method, ie, when the method is invoked from the runtime environment 108, the interpreted method is interpreted by the runtime system 196 by the runtime system 196. It can be obtained from the runtime environment 108 in the form of a sequence. This byte code 18
The sequence of zeros can be executed directly by the interpreter 194. If, on the other hand, the invoked method is a compiled method that has not been compiled in the past, the runtime system 108 converts the method into a runtime environment 1 in the form of a sequence of bytecodes 108.
Get from 08. The sequence of the bytecode 180 can activate the compiler 192. Then
Compiler 194 forms machine instructions from bytecode 180, and processor 102 (or other suitable processor) may directly execute the formed machine language instructions.
Generally, when terminating virtual machine 109, machine language instructions are discarded. The operation of virtual machines, more specifically Java Virtual Machine, is described in the Java Virtual Machine Specification by Tim Lindholm and Frank Jerin (IS Java Virtual Machine Specification).
BN0-201-63452-X), which is disclosed in further detail, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

II. Detailed Description: FIG. 3 shows an example of a set top box system including a set top box 101 connected to a television 130 and a remote unit 120. The remote unit 120 used as an input device is not drawn to scale. In general, the actual remote unit is sized to fit in the user's hand. Similarly, set top box 101 and television 120
Is not necessarily drawn to scale.

The button arrangement shown on remote unit 120 is for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted in a limiting sense. The remote unit 120 includes a "Web" button, a "Mail" button, a "Home" button, a "Goto" button, a "Fave" button, and a "Back" button. "button,
Includes a "control" button, an arrow button and a "select" button. A common use of the return button is to display a previously viewed web page. Similarly, a common use of the move button is to allow a user to specify and view a new web page. The arrow buttons allow a user to move the cursor between the elements displayed on the web page 304.

In FIG. 3, the video area 304 and the virtual remote control panel 310 are displayed on a web page displayed on the display device 130. It goes without saying that under the control of an applet (not shown), such as applet 110 of FIG. 1, these elements 304, 310 are formed on the web page.

[0024] Network connection 103 allows the set top box to communicate with a network such as the Internet, an intranet, a LAN or a WAN. Further, network connection 103 may be a wireless link. Certain embodiments of the present invention can be used with a keyboard, infrared keyboard, or other wireless keyboard (not shown).

Video line 207 provides a source of video input to set top box 101. Line 206 connects set top box 101 to display device 130 to provide video and audio output signals to display device 130. For example, the signal on line 206 can be one or more of an S-video signal, a composite signal, a component signal, an audio signal, and an HDTV signal.

FIG. 4 shows an example of a display device 130 for displaying a web page 302. Web page 3
02 is displayed based on HTML or a similar description language or convention (see the example in FIG. 38). Web page 302 includes a video area 304 and a virtual remote control panel 310. In the present embodiment, certain elements of the web page, such as region 304 and virtual control panel 310, are implemented as parts formed by applets. However, these can also be realized as a part of a page described in HTML. In this example, the video data is displayed in video area 304,
The user interface elements are displayed in virtual control panel 310.

The user interface element in this example virtual control panel is an on / off selector button 312 (here,
ON is selected) and the TV / video selector
A button 314 (here, TV is selected),
Broadcast / Cable Selector Button 316
(Here, broadcast is selected)
A size button (here, 100% is selected) and a channel indicator 320 (here,
The set is tuned to channel 002). It should be understood that the user interface elements shown herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed in a limiting sense. Any suitable control element, including but not limited to those disclosed herein, can be used with the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a small video area 304 'and additional content (eg, advertisement 320 and other text 322).
And the virtual remote control panel 31
5 shows an example of a display device including 0. As shown, the user has set the video display to 50% size. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the applet displays other content in the remaining space on the page. In yet another embodiment, the applet can always choose to display the video within a particular size area 304, and
Advertising or other suitable content may always be displayed.

FIG. 6 shows an example of a display device having two video areas 304 '' and a virtual remote control 310 '. In this example, the virtual control panel has two channel indicators, each corresponding to two video areas 304 ''.

FIG. 7 shows two video areas, of which video area 305 is located within video area 304 '''.
And an example of a display device having a virtual remote control panel. In this example, the virtual control panel has two video areas 30
4 ″ ′, two channels corresponding to 305
Has an indicator.

FIGS. 8-11 show examples of pull-down menus for the select button on the virtual remote control of FIGS. 4-7. As shown
The user selects a button to see a list of possible choices, and then selects one of the multiple choices. 15 to 19 show actions performed by the applet in response to user input. It should be understood that other types of well-known user interfaces can be used to implement the video functions disclosed herein (or analogous video functions).

FIG. 12 shows an example of a Java class used in the embodiment of the present invention. It is to be understood that the classes disclosed herein are provided by way of example and should not be construed in a limiting sense. The invention can be implemented using a Java-like object-oriented programming language and need not be limited to Java. Examples of classes are two abstract Java classes,
That is, abstract PIP class and abstract PIP
Info class. The PIPImplementation class is a subclass of the abstract PIP class. Tuner
The Info class and the VideoInfo class are subclasses of the PIPInfo class. As detailed below, PIPImplement
An instance of the ation class uses an instance of the PIPinfo class (that is, a TunerInfo object and a VideoInfo object).

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention that includes an applet 110, instances 502, 504, 506 of the class of FIG. 12, and native code 508 for controlling display device 130 through video chip 510. It is. In this embodiment, the video
The chip is an IGS Cyberpro 5000 chip manufactured by IGS Technologies, Inc. The video chip 130 is connected to the display device 130 and controls the display device 130. The native code 508 is written in a C ++ programming language or the like so as to be suitable for controlling a video chip. The exact nature and specification of native code 508 is based on the video chip used.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method implemented by the applet of FIG. Step 602,
Step 603 is a step performed by the browser to download a web page including the applet and start execution of the applet. In step 606, the applet creates instances of the PIPImplementation class, TunerInfo class, and VideoInfo class, respectively. As each instance is created, each instance initializes itself with predetermined default values. Step 61
At 0, the applet registers to receive key presses from the operating system. In step 612, the applet enters the virtual control panel 3
10 is displayed. If the set top box has received keyboard input (eg, keyboard input from an infrared keyboard or other suitable keyboard), at step 314, the applet sends a trap for numeric key strokes to the keystroke event event. Set in handler (indicating channel change). In step 616, the applet sets a trap for other key presses in the keystroke handler (used to change other video attributes of the controller). Step 616 is implemented, for example, in embodiments using a keyboard having numeric keys. FIG.
The embodiment shown uses the arrow keys on the remote to make a selection between multiple channel values displayed on the virtual remote panel by the applet.

At step 620, if the applet wants to start in television mode, the applet
Send rInfo object to PIPImplementation object. Otherwise (not shown), the applet sends an instance VideoInfo to the PIPImplementation object.

FIGS. 15-19 are exemplary flow charts showing actions performed by an applet in response to various user actions in an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 15 illustrates the steps when a user changes the video source from TV to video (eg, TV to VCR). FIG. 16 shows a plurality of steps when the user changes the display size. FIG. 17 shows the steps by which a user switches video display in a web page on or off. FIG. 18 illustrates steps when a user changes the frequency type (eg, broadcast or cable). FIG. 19 shows a plurality of steps when a user changes channels. The methods of FIGS. 15-19 are merely examples and should not be construed in a limiting sense.

FIGS. 20 to 22 show examples of objects of the PIPImplementation class, TunerInfo class and VideoInfo class, respectively. As shown in FIG.
The nfo object contains data identifying the current PIP type (ie, "tuner"), the coordinates of the video area 304, the current frequency (broadcast or cable), and the current channel. Further, as shown, the TunerInfo object has a method for receiving parameters, a method for allowing an applet to obtain the default coordinates of the area 304, and a method for obtaining and setting a channel. Methods and methods for acquiring and setting frequencies. Details of these methods are shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 21, the VideoInfo object contains data identifying the current PIP type ("video") and the coordinates of the video area 304. As shown, the VideoInfo object further includes methods for receiving the parameters and enabling the applet to obtain the default coordinates of the region 304. Details of these methods are shown in FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 22, PIPImplementation
The object includes the methods shown in FIGS. 31-36 and communicates with the video chip and calls some native code routines for controlling the video chip. PIPImplementation object is P
Receive an IPInfo object as input.

FIGS. 23 to 30 show TunerInfo class and V
5 is a flowchart of several exemplary methods in the ideoInfo class. These methods include, but are not limited to: Public void setTunerInfo (channel, frequency): This sets the information in the TunerInfo object. Public rectangle getDefaultCoordinates (): this is
Get the default coordinates of the TunerInfo object. Public int getChannel (): This gets the current channel of the TunerInfo object. Public void setChannel (channel) (): This sets the channel in the TunerInfo object. Public int getFrequencyType (): This gets the current frequency type (eg broadcast or cable) of the TunerInfo object.・ Public int setFrequencyType (frequency): This is Tu
Set the frequency type of the nerInfo object. • public void setVideoInfo (): This is the video information Vi
Set in deoinfo object. Public rectangle getDefaultCoordinates (): this is
Get the default coordinates of the VideoInfo object.

FIGS. 31 to 36 show PIPImplementat called by the virtual remote control applet.
Here is an example of a method in the ion class. 23 to 30 and 31 to 36 show a plurality of steps performed by a method in the “virtual remote” API of the present embodiment. This API is just one example of an API that can be used with the present invention,
Should not be interpreted in a restrictive sense.

The methods of the PIPImplementation object include, but are not limited to: Public void setOn (boolean switchItOn): This turns the video display in the web page on or off. Public boolean getOn (): This returns an indicator that indicates whether the video display in the web page is on. Public void pipParms (pipparms pipparms): This is P
Set up the parameters in the IPInfo object.・ Public void setCoordinates (rectangle coordinate
s): This sets the coordinates on the video display within the web page. Public Rectangle getCoordinates (): This returns the coordinates of the video display within the web page. Public void setPIPInfo (PipInfo pipInfo): This is P
Send an IPInfo class object to a PIP object.

FIG. 37 is an exemplary list of native code functions called by the objects of FIGS. These functions form a "native code API". The capabilities of the video chip used and the virtual remote
The native code API will vary slightly based on the capabilities required by the control API.

FIG. 38 shows an HTM of a web page containing an example of a virtual remote control applet.
L is an example. This example should not be construed as limiting the invention.

In summary, embodiments of the present invention provide a method for displaying video data on a web page under the control of an applet. Applet is web
Define the appearance and functionality of the virtual remote control displayed on the page. For this reason, the appearance and functionality of the virtual remote control can be easily changed without changing the hardware of software formed in the platform that executes the applet. The appearance and functionality of the virtual remote control are automatically updated each time a new version of the applet is loaded. An example of a set top box API has been described. The applet invokes API functions in response to user input made via a virtual remote control displayed on a web page.

Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to specific embodiments, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. It is therefore intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a data processing system according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a data processing system according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a set top box system including a remote unit and a video display.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a display device including a video area and a virtual remote control panel.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a display device including a small video area, additional content, and a virtual remote control.

FIG. 6 shows two video areas and a virtual remote
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display device including a control panel.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display device including two video areas arranged inside one another and a virtual remote control panel.

8 is a diagram showing an example of a pull-down menu of a select button on the virtual remote control of FIG. 3;

9 is a diagram showing an example of a pull-down menu of a select button on the virtual remote control of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a pull-down menu of a select button on the virtual remote control of FIG. 3;

11 is a diagram showing an example of a pull-down menu of a select button on the virtual remote control of FIG. 3;

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a Java class used in the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention that includes an applet, an instance of the class of FIG. 12, and native code for controlling a display device.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a method performed by the applet of FIG.

FIG. 15 shows various users according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is an example of the flowchart which shows the action which an applet performs according to an action.

FIG. 16 illustrates various users in an embodiment of the present invention.
It is an example of the flowchart which shows the action which an applet performs according to an action.

FIG. 17 shows various users according to the embodiment of the present invention.
It is an example of the flowchart which shows the action which an applet performs according to an action.

FIG. 18 illustrates various users in an embodiment of the present invention.
It is an example of the flowchart which shows the action which an applet performs according to an action.

FIG. 19 illustrates various users in an embodiment of the present invention.
It is an example of the flowchart which shows the action which an applet performs according to an action.

FIG. 20: PIP class, TunerInfo class and VideoInfo
It is a figure showing the example of the object of a class.

FIG. 21: PIP class, TunerInfo class and VideoInfo
It is a figure showing the example of the object of a class.

FIG. 22: PIP class, TunerInfo class, and VideoInfo
It is a figure showing the example of the object of a class.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of exemplary methods in the TunerInfo and VideoInfo classes.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of exemplary methods in the TunerInfo and VideoInfo classes.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of exemplary methods in the TunerInfo and VideoInfo classes.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart of exemplary methods in the TunerInfo and VideoInfo classes.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart of exemplary methods in the TunerInfo and VideoInfo classes.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart of exemplary methods in the TunerInfo and VideoInfo classes.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart of exemplary methods in TunerInfo and VideoInfo classes.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart of exemplary methods in the TunerInfo and VideoInfo classes.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart of an exemplary method in a PIP class called by a virtual remote control applet.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart of an exemplary method in a PIP class called by the virtual remote control applet.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart of an exemplary method in a PIP class called by the virtual remote control applet.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart of an exemplary method in a PIP class called by the virtual remote control applet.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart of an exemplary method in a PIP class called by a virtual remote control applet.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart of an exemplary method in a PIP class called by the virtual remote control applet.

FIG. 37 is a diagram showing an example of a list of native code functions called by the object of FIG. 8;

FIG. 38 illustrates an example HTML of a web page including an example virtual remote control applet.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────の Continuation of the front page (71) Applicant 591064003 901 SAN ANTONIO ROAD PALO ALTO, CA 94303, US A. (72) Inventor Rajesh Kanungo, United States 94087, California Limerick Court, Sunnyvale, 765

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A method for controlling the display of video data, comprising: executing a designated applet in a downloaded web page; and a virtual control displayed on the web page by the applet. A method comprising: receiving user input by the applet by way of a panel; and controlling the display of video data on the web page by the applet based on the user input. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual control panel is similar to a television remote control. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual control panel allows the user to change channels. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual control panel allows the user to change from television input to video input. 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual control panel allows the user to change from a broadcast input to a cable input. 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual control panel allows the user to turn the display on or off. 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the virtual control panel allows the user to resize the video display. 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the web page includes displayed content in addition to the video display and the virtual control panel. 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the web page includes two video displays. 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the web page includes a picture in a picture video display. 11. The web page defaults to a smaller size video display and displays content around edges of the video display.
The method described in. 12. The web page defaults to a smaller size video display, displays content around edges of the video display, and does not allow the user to change the size of the display. Item 1
The method described in. 13. A video signal controlling reception of a video signal.
The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of communicating with a chip via said applet. 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the new version of the virtual control panel is implemented by making changes to the applet that forms the virtual remote control. 15. An apparatus for controlling the display of video data, comprising: a software circuit configured to execute a designated applet in a downloaded web page; and an applet on the web page by the applet. A software circuit configured to receive user input by the applet via a displayed virtual control panel; and displaying the video data on the web page according to the user input. And a software circuit configured to be controlled by the device. 16. A computer program product, comprising: a computer usable medium including computer readable code stored to control the display of video data, the computer usable medium comprising: A computer readable program code device configured to execute a designated applet in a web page; and a user via a virtual control panel displayed on the web page by the applet. A computer readable program code device configured to receive input by the applet; and configured to control display of video data on the web page by the applet according to the user input. Sa Computer program product comprising a computer readable program code devices were, a.